"The two are actually connected in a few ways," said Kids Camp executive director Denise Hornbecker. "The kids that come to our camp are often from the same families that depend on Foodshare for help."

While former WFSB, Channel 3, traffic reporter Teresa LaBarbera was supposed to emcee the event, her sudden departure for her new gig at WTNH, Channel 8, prompted a quick change, and WFSB anchor DeniseD'Ascenzo stepped in as program hostess.

A few blocks away at the Marriott Downtown Hartford, Geno Auriemma and singer/songwriter Kristie Salerno Kent did the guest speaking honors at the Greater Hartford Women Against MS luncheon, sponsored by NBC Connecticut, WVIT, Channel 30, with anchor Lisa Carberg as emcee.

Auriemma, who was honored by the MS Society's Connecticut Chapter a couple of years ago, had a special glow about him, not so much because his team is looking good so far but because of the newest addition to the family, Christian James Stigliano.

"He pretty much just lays there doing nothing right now," said Auriemma of his first grandchild, who was born at the end of August to daughter Jenna and her husband, Todd Stigliano. "I haven't even changed a diaper. My wife and my daughter keep me away."

But Auriemma isn't wasting any time getting the kiddo acclimated to Grandpa's world.

"I took him over to Gampel Pavilion, and there was practice and noise and a lot of activity," said Auriemma. "I told him, 'You better get used to this'."